Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can affect both animals and people.

Most of these viruses tend to be species-specific and can cause various ailments ranging from respiratory illness to multi-systemic disease. Dogs and cats have their own species-specific coronaviruses which do not infect humans. COVID-19 is a novel (or new) strain of Coronavirus that has spread worldwide and is affecting our daily lives in unprecedented ways. To date, the exact source of the current outbreak is unknown.

During this uncertain time, many of our clients have expressed concerns about how the current COVID-19 pandemic may affect the health of their pets and their ability to transmit disease from animal to human. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that companion animals, including dogs and cats, can become infected with or spread COVID-19.

Animals can carry viral particles on their skin and coat, which can be contaminated from human touch or the environment (tables, doorknobs, or other similar surfaces). For this reason, they can theoretically serve as a source of infection, though currently no cases of COVID-19 infection have been traced to this route of transmission. As a precaution, continue using good hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after handling animals, their food, waste, and supplies. Consider using social distancing on walks and refrain from having people outside of your household touch or handle your pets to reduce the risk of inadvertent transmission.

Currently, the CDC recommends restricting contact with pets if you are sick with COVID-19 until more information is known about the virus. If possible, have another member of the household care for your pets while you are sick. At this time, there is no reason to avoid contact while you are sheltering in place as long as good hygiene practices are maintained.

At the Animal Care Center of Castle Pines, we remain committed to providing our clients and patients with world-class care. With that in mind, we have taken precautions to reduce the risk of viral transmission as much as possible. We are asking clients to postpone routine and non-emergent visits and procedures, performing curbside visits and exams, and are expediting the roll-out of telemedicine for existing clients. Please consider downloading the Airvet app to your mobile phone to familiarize yourself with the program. We will provide additional details once we are ready to start taking calls.

We know that the fear and anxiety around the current pandemic are real and we will continue to be available to our community as much as possible. Due to the fluid nature of the current CDC, WHO, and state and federal government recommendations, this may change on a day-to-day basis. Please feel free to call the clinic if you would like additional information or you need to schedule a visit for your ill pet.

Thank you for allowing us to be a continued part of your family's care!